“Alright, Bill, let’s run through the plan again,” Molly said, glancing around the cluttered basement filled with maps and blueprints. “Right,” Bill replied, rubbing his hands together. “We blend in as entertainment.” “Yeah, but as what?” Molly questioned, tapping her foot. “Clowns? Magicians?” “Nah, we’re going in as—wait for it—balloon artists!” “Balloon artists?” Molly raised an eyebrow skeptically. “Think about it,” Bill insisted, waving his arms enthusiastically. “We make a few animals, distract the kiddos, and while the parents are taking photos, we swipe the goods.” Molly chuckled, “Like taking candy from a baby, huh?” “Exactly! But more like taking presents from the kids,” Bill grinned mischievously. “We just need a foolproof distraction. Something flashy.” “Flashy, you say? How about a giant balloon sculpture?” Molly suggested, her eyes lighting up. “Maybe a big ol’ swan?” “Perfect!” Bill exclaimed. “While they’re ooh-ing and ahh-ing, we’ll be fill-ing and steal-ing.” “Nice rhyme,” Molly smirked. “But what about the costumes?” “Simple,” Bill said, pulling out a couple of gaudy outfits. “Bright colors, oversized shoes, the works. No one will suspect a thing.” “Brave of you to assume I’ll wear those,” Molly teased, examining the clothes. “Ha, you love it,” Bill retorted. “And besides, it’s all part of the act.” “Fine, but if we run into trouble?” Molly questioned, leaning closer. “No problem,” Bill promised. “I’ve got my trusty ‘unexpected sneeze’ trick up my sleeve.” “‘Unexpected sneeze’? What in the world?” “Watch, it goes like this,” Bill demonstrated with an exaggerated fake sneeze, which ended with confetti spraying everywhere. Molly burst into laughter. “That might just work. Got a plan for if anyone gets suspicious?” “Easy,” Bill said confidently. “If they raise an eyebrow, we’ll say we’re collecting donations for the ‘Balloon Artist Charity Fund’.” “Creative,” Molly nodded. “How about security? Any guards?” Bill pulled out a blueprint. “Looks like a couple of teenagers hired to keep an eye on things. Shouldn't be too tricky. What's our backup plan, if things don’t go as planned?” “We switch balloons and make a quick exit,” Molly suggested, spinning a yellow balloon in her fingers. “Like swapping out one for the getaway equivalent.” “Clever,” Bill grinned, pacing the room. “That’s why we make such a good team.” “So, the timing?” Molly asked, checking her watch. “We aim for the magic show, two o'clock sharp,” Bill replied, looking serious now. “We’ll make our move when everyone’s watching the disappearing rabbit trick.” “Got it,” Molly said, clapping her hands together. “So, we scuttle in, snag the loot, and split before the cake is even sliced?” “Exactly,” Bill confirmed, nodding with determination. “And no one will suspect the masterful balloon artists!” “You know, I almost feel bad for the kids, losing their presents,” Molly admitted with a hint of guilt. “Hey, they’ll get replacements,” Bill said, shrugging it off. “I’m sure insurance covers balloon-related heists.” Molly laughed. “True. Alright then, partner, let’s do this.” Bill gave a playful salute. “To the best balloon artists this side of the crime world!”